The writer of Hebrews is an astute pastor concerned about the spiritual well-being of his readers. He uses sound biblical theology to encourage them, some of whom were tempted to abandon their faith as part of a beleaguered Christian community and revert to the relative safety of organised religion recognized by the Roman state such as Judaism or a variety of mystery religions. Having written about the snare of drifting and the danger of hard hearts, he exhorts his readers to experience Christ who offers “hope as an anchor for the soul” (v19a), as an antidote to despair and discouragement in the midst of difficulty and hardship.

Jesus as our high priest who has “entered the heavens” is not simply a “go between”, representing humanity before the divine; he has pioneered the way into the Father’s presence through his sacrificial death and resurrection. This assurance is the bedrock of faith on which we withstand temptation and the assaults of the devil. The resources to do so are not found within ourselves as we look inward, but outside of ourselves as we look to Christ.